Richard Priem: The ‘age of security’ has ended for US Jews

Rising antisemitism in the United States has necessitated a shift toward proactive, community-led security measures for Jewish institutions. Richard Priem, CEO of the Community Security Service (CSS), details a model that empowers volunteers to protect their own synagogues, schools, and campuses through professional-grade training. By teaching community members to recognize suspicious patterns and implement "digital hygiene," CSS creates a scalable, sustainable layer of defense that complements law enforcement efforts. This approach has proven critical on college campuses, where thousands of students now utilize these skills to counter intimidation and maintain their right to participate in Jewish life. Ultimately, the program transforms passive community members into active guardians, ensuring that Jewish institutions remain secure and welcoming spaces despite an increasingly hostile environment.